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Banyana out to avoid potential banana skin against Senegal

football18 July 2025 08:48| © Backpage TXT
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South Africa will tussle it out with Senegal in the Women's Africa Cup of Nations(Wafcon) Group quarterfinal match at the Honneur Stadium in Oujda, Morocco, on Saturday.

Kick-off is at 9pm CAT.

CURRENT FORM

South Africa are coming into this encounter undefeated in their last 10 matches across all competitions, having wrapped up their Group C campaign with an emphatic 4-0 victory over Mali on July 14.

Therefore, Banyana Banyana finished at the top of the Group C standings and the defending champions are undefeated in the quarterfinals since this round was introduced at the 2022 edition, when they defeated Tunisia.

Meanwhile, Senegal are winless in their last two games, as they sneaked into the knockout phase despite recording back-to-back losses in Group A, including a 1-0 loss to tournament hosts Morocco in their most recent game on July 12.

As a result, the Lionesses of Teranga advanced to the quarterfinals as one of the three best third-placed teams and the West African side will be making their second appearance in this stage of the Wafcon, having never reached the semifinals.

WHAT WAS SAID?

South Africa head coach Desiree Ellis

“This Wafcon is not just a one-sided tournament where you can predict an outcome. The games are so tight and it’s one moment of magic or one moment of madness or even a mistake by someone and then that’s it," Ellis told Safa media.

"This shows how tight the games are, so we have to be on top of our game against Senegal. They showed against Zambia and Morocco where they had very tight games but tonight was a statement and showed what we can do, and we’ve got to do even better.”

Senegal head coach Mame Moussa Cisse

“Our aim is to qualify for the semifinals for the first time—it’s an ambition within our reach. We’ll give ourselves the means to succeed and prepare thoroughly for whichever opponent we face," Cisse told the FSF media.

“We’re familiar with South Africa and Mali. We’ll study them closely and work strategically. At the same time, we must concentrate on our own strengths and address the shortcomings that emerged during the group stage.”

HEAD-TO-HEAD

South Africa and Senegal have met on three occasions since 2012 and Banyana boast of an undefeated record, having registered two wins, and one draw against the Lionesses of Teranga.

Their last match ended in a 2-0 win in favour of Banyana in an international friendly match played in June 2024, with Amogelang Motau and Noxolo Cesane scoring.

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